Dear Editor,
OK total disclosure, I love bears and our local wildlife. I also come from a background of 25 years at the sharp end of the business world. So these comments don’t come from a naïve tree-hugger! I am also lucky enough to be independent from local corporate influence. I don’t need to spell this point out to Kitimat residents. So let me be clear, I object strongly to the new park.
I believe it is a horrible compromise that will cause more harm than good. Why is this? The main driver behind the new park is the so called ‘water access’ demand from the public. So let’s break this down.
For years this demand has been mainly driven by (motor) boat owners. They are rightly frustrated by the closure of Moon Bay, the fees at MK Bay, and the tidal problems at Minette Bay Marina. They are looking for another public access point. So let’s knock that one down flat. A park at Minette Bay does not solve this issue, period.
Without massive investment and dredging the Bay, it will not provide full boat access. Never going to happen.
So let’s go back a little. With much fanfare the District was gifted the land at Minette Bay by Rio Tinto. It has been pointed out to me that this placed Council in a difficult spot. Not wanting to look ungrateful etc. So hold your breath, honesty needed.
To think that RT would hand over land of any use/value is an insult to my limited intelligence and any one else with half a brain. If they were serious about all-round public water access you would talking about the Western side of the Channel. Of course they didn’t do this, they want the massive profits that might come from LNG projects.
Ouch! Truth hurts. Hey if I was running RT I’d do the same! So that leaves the District trying to justify creating a park in an area of swamp and mud. Perfectly adapted for Moose, Grizz, Deer, Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes and scores of species of birds. Undisturbed for forty years. I understand that some people would like public access to Minette Bay as a place to walk and observe.
Again let’s be honest, this is a small minority. The same small minority that uses and enjoys Radley and Hirsch Ps. The idea that we spend many thousands of dollars creating a new park, felling hundreds of trees in a swamp area, providing another place for wild fires and garbage dumping, allowing easy access for poachers (already a problem in this area), risking conflict between wildlife and people, just doesn’t make sense. The District will tell you that they’ve conducted a full public consultation. In truth less than 5% of the population will have made any comment. And these comments were made on plans to create a park, not whether we should do it in the first place. To my knowledge there was no consultation with wildlife management experts. If they do press the green light let’s hope this doesn’t cost someone, a child or a pet their life.
Overly dramatic? No, it is a Grizz hot spot, just a fact.
And finally three points:
1) If you want to see the wildlife wonders of Minette Bay check out my Facebook page. Not self promoting, just pointing out we don’t need a new park to see amazing things. Watching from a distance preserves the whole thing.
2) I know most of the folks on Council. They act in a responsible and thoughtful manner to most subjects. I respect them more than they think I do! Just feel this particular issue carries a rather nasty mix of local influences. I ask them to be brave.
3) In the month where Federal funding for our homeless people was removed, tell me where our tax dollars should really be spent?
Regards,
Doug Read